In the NFL, reaching the conference championship game is a feat that few teams and players can boast about. It's a stage where the best of the best compete for the chance to secure a spot in the Super Bowl. As we approach this weekend's matchups, it's interesting to see the blend of familiar faces and new contenders vying for a shot at glory.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be facing off against the Baltimore Ravens. For Mahomes, this will be his sixth consecutive season as a starter that he has reached the conference championship game, surpassing the impressive record set by the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s. Only Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have a longer streak, with nine consecutive appearances from 2011 to 2018.
Mahomes continues to climb up the ranks of all-time quarterbacks in conference title game starts, trailing only Brady (14) and Joe Montana (7). He has already thrown 14 touchdown passes in conference championship games, second only to Brady. With just seven more yards passing, Mahomes can move into second place in all-time passing yards in this stage of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are making their first conference championship game appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2012. For the city of Baltimore, this game holds special significance as it marks the first time they will be hosting a conference championship game since the historic Colts beat the Raiders back in 1971.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Detroit Lions, creating an interesting contrast in experience. The 49ers, with a record 19 conference title game appearances, are no strangers to this stage. However, they are hoping to avoid becoming the fifth team to lose at this stage for three consecutive seasons. On the other hand, the Lions are making just their second ever conference championship game appearance, with their previous one dating back to the 1991 season.
The 49ers have had a mix of success and disappointment over the past two decades, with only seven winning records in the past 21 seasons. However, they have managed to make it to the NFC title game in each of those winning seasons, making them one of the most consistent teams in terms of playoff appearances.
For the Lions, this season represents a breakthrough as they have finally won two playoff games in the same year, something they have accomplished only twice before in their history. Despite being one of the four franchises never to have appeared in a Super Bowl, the Lions are hoping to change their fortunes and make a deep playoff run this year.
As we reflect on the playoff journey of different teams, it's hard not to feel for the Buffalo Bills, who once again fell short of making it to the Super Bowl. This is the fifth consecutive season that the Bills have won at least 10 games but failed to secure a spot in the big game. Only the Rams (1973-78) and the Eagles (1988-92) have endured a similar fate in NFL history.
The Bills' loss to the Chiefs was eerily reminiscent of their heartbreaking Super Bowl loss in 1991 when Scott Norwood famously missed a field goal attempt wide right. Tyler Bass, the Bills' kicker in this game, joined the unfortunate club of kickers who have missed potential tying or go-ahead field goals in the playoffs within the last 10 years. Such moments have a way of haunting a team's legacy and leaving a lasting impact.
In terms of standout performances in the playoffs, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens has solidified his status as a dual-threat quarterback. In the Ravens' win over the Houston Texans, Jackson became the first player ever to record at least two touchdown passes and runs in a game (including regular season) while also amassing over 100 yards rushing and a passer rating of 100 or better. His ability to dominate games with both his arm and his legs has firmly established him in a unique class of players.
Another young quarterback who showcased his skills in the playoffs is the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Despite the team's loss, Allen scored two rushing touchdowns, tying the record set by Jalen Hurts last year for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season, including the playoffs. Allen's consistent performances have placed him in elite company, matching the likes of Mahomes, Brady, and Rodgers as the only players to record three seasons with at least 50 combined touchdown passes and runs in the regular season and playoffs.
Lastly, the Detroit Lions have had an impressive showing from their rookie class, setting a record for the most touchdowns scored by a rookie class in the regular season or playoffs. This feat was accomplished with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way with 13 touchdowns, followed by Sam LaPorta (11) and Brian Branch (1). Gibbs also became the youngest player in NFL history to score a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter or overtime of a playoff game, displaying his talent and potential at such a young age.
As we move closer to the conference championship games, it's a reminder of the highs and lows that define the journey of each team and player. The battle for a spot in the Super Bowl intensifies, and we can expect more thrilling moments and record-breaking performances from the best the NFL has to offer.
